Boxered Out

boxerscott · Post by **boxerscott** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 10:24 am

We think its time to start looking at another two up bike. My 11s can go, the negatives outweigh the positives as far as we are concerned. Its too heavy for me, lugging it in and out of garage, slow manoeuvres, poor 1st and 2nd gear ratios. There are far better two up bikes out there which deliver all the positive characteristics of the 11s and more.

Can not say that I would want another two up boxer or a K and the only thing that may be on the horizon from BMW is a 800gsa or a F 800st but then I do not feel those engines have enough mumbo for long days two up.

We like two bikes in particular, VFR 1200 (my preference) and 1200 Multistrada. I like the sit in look of the vfr , the svelte styling just grows on you the more you look at it. Amanda prefers the 1200 multi. We have had a 1/2hour on this bike in urban mode approaching rush hour in Bradford (so not really a proper test ride) it felt comfortable, nimble but a bit tippy toey for me, bit like my bcr (similarities end there). So a couple of test rides beckon. Would be interested to know from anyone who has experience of these two machines. Ta.

GRAgusta · Post by **GRAgusta** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 1:50 pm

We had a close look at the new F800ST as Jenny's bike. It is competent, but not very exciting, we were considering it for Jenny but I would not have been happy with it for me.

April last year I did the northern loop of the "BIKE 8" with some guys from work three of whom were on VFR 1200's. the VFR's were hugely competent bikes .... but there were three of them, Hondas hugely popular, maybe missing out on the individuality that other bikes can offer tho'.

Two of those three VFR's have had their suspension fail in the remote preload mechanism, fortunatley replaced under warranty.

One of those two VFR's has recently been replaced with a multistrada, and the owner is very happy with his new bike, but it is only one month old.

Our Diavels have the same engine as the multisrtrada, and it is good.

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 5:18 pm

Got to admit Chris, if I had the necessary funds the VFR12 would be on my radar. Its looks have grown on me in a big way too.

An old friend of mine up until recently had a ZZR1400 and chopped it in for a VFR1200 and absolutely loves it. He's one seriously quick rider, and does a lot of continental miles for which he finds the Honda superb.

Would love to get a test ride on the VFR but I just daren't.

Boxered · Post by **Boxered** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 7:19 pm

Phew, I saw the post title and I though " Feck, what have I done now"

Steve

boxerscott · Post by **boxerscott** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 9:47 pm

Gromit wrote:Got to admit Chris, if I had the necessary funds the VFR12 would be on my radar. Its looks have grown on me in a big way too.

An old friend of mine up until recently had a ZZR1400 and chopped it in for a VFR1200 and absolutely loves it. He's one seriously quick rider, and does a lot of continental miles for which he finds the Honda superb.

Would love to get a test ride on the VFR but I just daren't.

Not as expensive as you may think http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-VFR-120 ... 27d51b81b3

Boxered · Post by **Boxered** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 9:52 pm

Good price Chris, but you have to wonder, 4600 miles and 2 owners on a 2010 bike?
To be fair though, the 2012 model has some upgrades which people find more appealing.

Steve

bikesnbones · Post by **bikesnbones** » Sun Jul 28, 2013 11:03 pm

boxerscott wrote:My 11s can go, the negatives outweigh the positives as far as we are concerned. Its too heavy for me, lugging it in and out of garage, .

boxerscott wrote:We like two bikes in particular, VFR 1200 (my preference)

I'm a bit confused.
You say the 1100S is too heavy.
You do know the VFR1200 is nearly 40kg heavier don't you ?

conkerman · Post by **conkerman** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 8:07 am

Light weight and good pillion capability are pretty much mutually exclusive.

I have always liked the FJR1300, but they are a bit heavy to push about the weight disappears once moving.

The VFR1200, after promising so much, does nothing for me. The 800 is as bland as beige.

Have you tried a R1200GS?

Bikerhoss · Post by **Bikerhoss** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 10:47 am

conkerman wrote:I have always liked the FJR1300, but they are a bit heavy to push about the weight disappears once moving.

Great bike, especially older models that have lost the intial depreciation. Brother has a 2000 model (with 2005 plastics, replaced after an accident) that has done over 90K miles, Few electrical niggles, but motor still problem free (despite missing a few services). Our not inconsiderable combined weight has been on it for short hops & it coped fine. Plenty pillion room and decent comfort.
Only reason I've not got one is I can be a little too 'enthusiastic' on cornering, and it runs out of clearance too soon for my liking

bikesnbones · Post by **bikesnbones** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 12:04 pm

conkerman wrote:Light weight and good pillion capability are pretty much mutually exclusive.

I have always liked the FJR1300, but they are a bit heavy to push about the weight disappears once moving.

I agree but the OP said

boxerscott wrote:Its too heavy for me, lugging it in and out of garage, slow manoeuvres,

I don't think the weight of the VFR1200 is going to "disappear" under those circumstances

conkerman · Post by **conkerman** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 2:39 pm

Indded, the VFR is a bit of a Heffalump also. The 800 is already a porker.

The FJR, whilst rotund, seems to loose its weight once rolling, based on a short ride I had a few years ago.

My experience, take it or leave it.

bikesnbones · Post by **bikesnbones** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 4:19 pm

conkerman wrote:Indded, the VFR is a bit of a Heffalump also. The 800 is already a porker.

The FJR, whilst rotund, seems to loose its weight once rolling, based on a short ride I had a few years ago.

My experience, take it or leave it.

I'm not taking issue with that.
My point is the OP says that the 1100S is going because it's too heavy for slow manoeuvres and to lug around the garage.
Then say's he's going to replace it with a bike 40kg heavier.

boxerscott · Post by **boxerscott** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 8:26 pm

40kg heavier than a bcr

Ya Bastaxd

they kept that quiet. It certainly does not look it

I can not face a heavy bike, but it does have a lower centre of gravity, lighter than a fjr, blackbird, r1200rt No? All this "loses its weight when rolling" bollox means nothing to me, even the Titanic floated (for a while) its controlling the thing on a slippery junction with a bad camber full of luggage and the missus on board, I need both feet firmly planted, I fear it may have to be an open top sports car then.

I would not be seen dead on a GS

Don`t mention a Deauville either

bikemad99 · Post by **bikemad99** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 8:59 pm

What a good idea,an Mx5 will do nicely sir.

Blackal · Post by **Blackal** » Mon Jul 29, 2013 9:00 pm

boxerscott wrote:40kg heavier than a bcr Ya Bastaxd they kept that quiet. It certainly does not look it I can not face a heavy bike, but it does have a lower centre of gravity, lighter than a fjr, blackbird, r1200rt No? All this "loses its weight when rolling" bollox means nothing to me, even the Titanic floated (for a while) its controlling the thing on a slippery junction with a bad camber full of luggage and the missus on board, I need both feet firmly planted, I fear it may have to be an open top sports car then.

I would not be seen dead on a GS Don`t mention a Deauville either

Got just the thing, for Sir.................

Al